A New Rochelle father has been charged with the death of his 2-year-old son early Sunday morning, police said.
Richard Leak, 30, is being held in Westchester County Jail following his arrest Wednesday for the murder of his child, Khalil Leak, who already had spent 15 months in foster care after being injured as an infant.
At a press conference Thursday morning, New Rochelle police Capt. Joseph Schaller said investigators believe Leak killed the boy by hitting his head against a hard surface, fracturing his skull and ribs.
Khalil was pronounced dead less than an hour after arriving at Sound Shore Medical Center shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, Schaller said.
Emergency responders took Khalil to the hospital following a call from a neighbor who found the boy unresponsive in his father’s apartment, according to a spokesman for the Westchester County District Attorney.
Leak’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 20. He faces 25 years to life in state prison.
